The 5 Golden Rules of Networking in a Pandemic

Picture it: Early morning coffee in your home office (aka kitchen table). You hop on LinkedIn and share the latest article about how the company you work for is pivoting to contribute to the needs of first responders. You love your job and are so proud of where you work – especially right now. You enthusiastically tell everyone so in your post. And then…within seconds, you receive a Facebook chat notification. From…wait, who is THAT? Oh, yeah, an old classmate from high school that “friended” you a while back. It reads:

Hi Jane. Long time, no talk. How are you? Crazy times, right? I see you are living in (your city). I moved here about six months ago! I love it, even though I haven’t gotten to see so much of it lately (emoticon, emoticon). It looks like work is going so well for you. I noticed online that you are working for (company just touted 1 minute ago on LinkedIn). I really have been trying to get in there. I’ve applied to 3 or 4 job postings and the Recruiter finally called yesterday to tell me that they are on a hiring freeze. But, maybe they would consider me for something if you recommended me? Could I send you my resume so it gets to the right person? I know we haven’t talked in a long time (10+yrs), but it would be great if you could put in a good word for me! Thanks again – I REALLY appreciate this. We should catch up sometime. Thanks, Jim.

Sound familiar??

Look, we all want to find ways to help each other during this crisis. But, how you go about asking for help or engaging with your network is indeed an art, filled with many do’s and don’ts, should’ves and could’ves. With so much emphasis right now on perfecting online profiles and leveraging social networks, people are more accessible, boundaries have been blurred, and there are varying standards about what is considered appropriate, acceptable and effective.

There are still social mores and etiquettes– Golden Rules – that hold true in order for the networking process to do what it’s supposed to do: to allow us to connect, interact and ultimately help each other in a genuine, thoughtful and reciprocal manner.

• Don’t Be Shy: Get out there and engage. If the Pandemic has reminded us of one thing – it’s that we are all equally human and vulnerable. Our guards have come down and there is more emphasis than ever on making time for each other, getting up close and personal, and nurturing relationships. Reconnect with people you haven’t talked to in a while, join a virtual networking event, attend a webinar, or interact and contribute on social media feeds with comments, reactions, ideas or even content of your own. Don’t let social distancing be your excuse! Put yourself out there. Be intentional, thoughtful, and creative! And, make a concerted effort toward enhancing real individual, one-on-one connections.
• We are people, not just profiles: Even with pictures included, it can be easy to forget that those are people behind those profiles you’re reading. But, if you want to revive or make a valuable connection, get out from behind your inbox, and invite them to a video call. Make it a goal to interact with five new people each week. Take advantage of this time to learn about them – who they are, what they do, about their families, career journeys, and interests. Ask about how you can help each other right now. Then, don’t let their contact info “collect dust” in your Cloud. Follow up. Check in. Recommend your favorite book, Netflix series, or podcast. Tell them about a new career resource you heard about that could be helpful to them. You never know what else you might have in common, or how you might be able to help each other - now or down the road. These people could become your new friends, clients or future colleagues. I get it – it might feel out of your comfort zone to do this right now, but I promise, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what may happen when you do.
• Request, Don’t Expect: While ideal networking is a proactive, ongoing process dedicated to establishing and nurturing professional relationships, your current agenda might be different. In these Pandemic times, you might be hoping to “get” something (quickly) from your networking efforts/conversations (i.e. job lead, interview, new job, etc). It’s true -you never know until you ask. But, your wish may not always be granted. When you are asking someone to do you a favor, know your audience – figuratively and literally. Don’t be pushy or demanding. Offer something in return. Don’t get angry if they can’t/won’t help you, no matter how much you may feel panicked about your current situation. Be appreciative of any effort, big or small, regardless of the outcome. Keep the door open. Give them a reason to want to stay in touch with you and perhaps help you in the future.
• It’s not just about YOU: Give more than you take. Don’t keep score. Say yes to helping others. Pay it Forward. Reciprocate. It’s easy to just reach out to people when you need something, but the most successful networkers have a natural willingness to help others- even if there is nothing in it for them. Be generous. Make introductions. Think beyond yourself. What goes around, comes around. #weareallinthistogether
• Stay in touch: Real networking is not transactional. It isn’t a switch you just turn on when you need something, and flip back off when you get it. True networking is proactive, ongoing and thoughtful. It happens when times are good and when nobody is watching. Remember when that contact introduced you to his former boss about that job you wanted? Did you ever follow-up to let him know the outcome? How about that former classmate job-seeker you recommended to a recruiter for a search? Did you ever find out what happened? When people help you, don’t just leave ‘em hanging. Keep them in the loop. Show appreciation for their efforts. And, even if there isn’t a particular reason, keep up on what is going on with your network. Send a birthday greeting or a congratulatory email about a promotion. Or, a just note to say hi because it’s been a long time since you talked last. Who doesn’t like to feel noticed or thought of “just because?”

These are certainly challenging career times. Experienced professionals are finding themselves unexpectedly jobless, new grads are unprepared and unsure about how to even start their careers at this time, and many who were in the midst of searching for something new or different way before COVID came knocking at our doors have been stopped in their tracks. Please keep these Golden Rules in mind as you reconnect with old friends or colleagues, “meet” and connect with new people, and find opportunities to help each other during this Pandemic. Networking is still key to professional development and career advancement. And, let’s face it – we are all in this together. We need each other more than ever.

Frankly speaking: It’s not just what you know OR who know you…but it’s how you connect with who you know that gets you to where you want to be.

Lisa Frank is the CEO of LBF Strategies, LLC, a recruitment & career coaching firm. As a recruiter, connector and coach she offers a relatable and “Frank” approach to all aspects of the career & job search process. Through her blog, Frankly Speaking, Lisa shares her insights, guidance and sometimes unbelievable (but true) stories about career topics with plenty of humor, humanness and candor. Follow Lisa on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram (@Lbfstrategies) or visit www.LBFStrategies.com.